Top Bike Trails In South Florida
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Florida-Keys
One of the most gorgeous bike trails that symbolizes the historic value of South Florida is the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Rich with history, this trail is also educational for the entire family. There are 70 miles to travel by bike, with the trail expected to reach to 106 miles in the future, connecting the upper Keys with the lower Keys. As you ride along, see 23 historic Flagler Railroad bridges and each Key has their own unique personality and story to tell. There are a number of parks to ride through as you begin in Key Largo and head down the trail. Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, Crocodile Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and Key West National Marine Sanctuary are all part of your journey. If you prefer to ride in one particular area for the day, here are some recommendations: a 20-mile round trip in Islamorada, an 18-mile round trip in Long Key including a two-mile bike and pedestrians only bridge, 30 miles roundtrip on the last stretch of the trail before Key West and a 14-mile round trip from the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Sombrero Beach. If you don't have your own bike, it is easy to rent a bike on Marathon Key.
Old Cutler Trail
www.traillink.com/trail/old-cutler-trail
One of the most memorable bike trails has to be Old Cutler Trail in Miami. There is so much beautiful scenery to take in. The trail is 11 miles long and while most of the path is easy to ride, there are some bumpy areas, making it even more challenging. Enormous old banyan trees and shade-producing ficus are nature's wonders, waiting to be caught on film as you approach them on your ride. Also seen along the leisurely trail are magnificent neighborhoods of colossal homes with sprawling yards. If you feel like taking a break, there are a number of parks made for resting as part of the trail. Matheson Hammock Park, Fairchild Tropical Garden and Pinecrest Gardens are all popular resting spots, each having their own gifts of nature to captivate your attention. The best place to begin your ride is the traffic circle where Old Cutler Road, Sunset Road and LeJeune Road all come together in Miami.
Shark Valley In Everglades National Park
Many people will agree that the Shark Valley Trail, located off Tamiami Trail, is one of the best and most entertaining in South Florida. Check out the variety of wildlife on this 15-mile loop bike trail. One of the most talked about creatures that you might encounter on any given day along the trail is the Florida gator. They sun themselves close to the path, and are not very sociable with humans. Overhead, you might notice some intriguing birds that you have never seen before. This trail is famous for its wildlife. As you reach the halfway point of the ride, stop and take a walk up to the top of the observation tower. Below you is a sensational view of Everglades National Park. The trail is also very educational for the kids, and even parents. Arrive late afternoon and you can take in the enticing sunset. Although there are many exciting reasons to bike the Shark Valley Trail, be warned that it is important to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. It gets very hot and the sun sizzles above you. You will be thankful you did when you get home that evening.
(www.floridastateparks.org)
Bill Baggs State Park
The scenery doesn't get any better than this with a mix of land and water. As you ride your bike along the trail and amongst some of the towering trees, the beauty of Biscayne Bay is your side view. Be adventurous on the ride and stop at the Cape Florida Lighthouse (on the trail) and take a tour of the oldest structure in South Florida, built back in 1825. This trail is easy cycling for its 1.5-mile length. Certain times of the year, you may even be lucky enough to spot a manatee. If you don't have your own bike, the park will be glad to rent you one. Bill Baggs State Park is in Key Biscayne, one of the hidden paradises of South Florida.
Hollywood Broadwalk
www.visithollywoodfl.org/beaches
Hollywood Broadwalk is located conveniently between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. A different type of bike trail, Hollywood Broadwalk attracts a sun-loving crowd. This trail was constructed in the 1920s and is 2.5 miles of diverse scenery. It has been rated by Travel & Leisure as one of America's Best Beach Broadwalks. This bike path has also been recognized as one of the "10 Great Public Spaces." The Broadwalk is a brick-paved pathway that has a tendency to get crowded by not only bike riders, but pedestrians as well. It is a slow but relaxing ride and if you want to take a break, go for a swim or run in and get a piece of pizza or a cold shake. Bike riding this way is the best type of exercise that you could ever ask for.
Related: Best Places In South Florida To Get In Touch With Nature
A longtime resident of Palm Beach County in South Florida, Hope Wilkos divides her passions between writing, fashion and scuba diving. With the gift of self-expression, Hope has used her writing skills to cover memorable events over the last five years and share that thrill and accomplishment with her readers. To achieve your goals, Hope strongly believes that you must "Follow Your Dream."
